Wistful Thinking MTG Card

Gain a strategic edge by compelling opponents to draw and discard, shaking up the game’s tempo. Its requirement for specific mana and high casting cost can limit deck integration versatility. Combining with cards that capitalize on draw and discard can unleash powerful combos.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Released	2007-02-02
Set symbol
Set name	Planar Chaos
Set code	PLC
Number	53
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Brian Despain

Text of card

Target player draws two cards, then discards four cards.

"To probe the wonders of the multiverse, to gaze upon worlds unspoiled by blade or spell . . . it's enough to make one weep for the possibilities denied."

Cards like Wistful Thinking

Wistful Thinking is a unique entry in the subset of draw-discard cards in Magic: The Gathering. It somewhat mirrors the patterns of cards like Ideas Unbound but brings its own twist to the strategy. With Wistful Thinking, the player forces an opponent to draw four cards and then discard eight cards if eight or more cards are in their hand, which can quickly dismantle an opponent’s strategy if timed correctly, especially in formats where hand size can be significant.

Conversely, Ideas Unbound allows the player to draw three cards at the cost of discarding their hand at the end of turn. While playing a different tempo, both cards manipulate hand sizes but with differing control over whose hand is targeted. Another similitude can be seen with Windfall, where all players discard their hands and draw cards equal to the greatest number a player discarded, which can be a game-changer in multiplayer scenarios unlike the targeted nature of Wistful Thinking.

Analyzing other cards in this niche, Wistful Thinking finds its place among spell casters who enjoy dictating the pace at which an opponent can play. Though not as universally flexible as some of its peers, it shines in situations that can pivot the game in the player’s favor through significant hand disruption.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Wistful Thinking is a strategic choice for players seeking to increase their hand size while potentially disrupting the opponent’s strategy. Its ability to compel an opponent to draw four cards and then discard three can lead to a favorable shift in hand dynamics, offering the casting player a subtle edge.

Resource Acceleration: By compelling both the player and the opponent to cycle through their decks, Wistful Thinking can indirectly hasten access to crucial resources. Although it does not directly produce mana or tokens, the increased card flow can help players find key lands or mana sources faster, thus accelerating their gameplay.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Wistful Thinking at instant speed adds a layer of versatility to your game plan. This dynamic allows you to adapt on the fly to the unfolding game and utilize your mana effectively, maintaining the element of surprise and making it harder for opponents to anticipate and counter your moves.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Wistful Thinking requires players to discard cards, which can inadvertently deplete your hand and hinder your game strategy, especially in situations where maintaining a card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Wistful Thinking includes blue mana, which makes it exclusive to blue decks or those running sufficient mana fixing to accommodate blue spells, potentially limiting its versatility in a player’s collection.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to play Wistful Thinking may compete with other impactful four-mana spells in your deck, making it a less appealing choice when building a mana curve or facing faster-paced opponents.

Reasons to Include Wistful Thinking in Your Collection

Versatility: Wistful Thinking is a card that seamlessly integrates into various deck designs, as it offers a unique blend of card draw and disruption. It allows players to draw into new strategies while also potentially hindering their opponents.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to make both you and an opponent draw cards can work exceptionally well with strategies focused around draw triggers or cards that benefit when your opponent has a full hand.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors strategies involving card advantage or decks that capitalize on knowing the opponent’s hand, Wistful Thinking provides insight and control, making it a tactical addition to any deck that needs to stay one step ahead.

How to beat Wistful Thinking

Wistful Thinking is a unique card that brings an interesting dynamic to the table in Magic: The Gathering. This card forces a player to draw and then discard four cards, potentially causing a significant shift in the balance of their hand. To effectively counter this card, players should consider holding cards that are beneficial when discarded or using cards that thrive on a full graveyard.

Strategically, one could employ the use of graveyard retrieval spells that allow you to bring back important cards that Wistful Thinking has discarded. Alternatively, incorporating cards in your deck that have the “madness” ability could turn the potential setback into an advantage, as it allows you to cast them for a different cost when they’re discarded.

Having a proper response to this card often lies in the art of clever deck building and anticipating your opponent’s moves. Keep an eye on your hand size, and have a game plan for both the cards you draw and discard. This way, even if your opponent tries to disrupt your strategy with Wistful Thinking, you remain in control, turning their strategy to your advantage.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wistful Thinking MTG card by a specific set like Planar Chaos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Wistful Thinking and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wistful Thinking has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal